Enchanting Ladakh

Stay – Leh

On the day of arrival at Leh, Alkof Holidays representative will welcome you at the Leh Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport and transfer you to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later proceed for sightseeing of Leh, visit the Shanti Stupa, which dominates the city’s skyline from atop a hill. The two-storey stupa is embellished with colourful and intriguing paintings of deities and incidents from Buddhist mythology.

In the evening, you will get a chance to walk around the local bazaars and buy souvenirs like Buddhist cloth paintings, called thangkas, images of deities, fine-quality pashminas and decorative handicrafts. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay – Leh

After breakfast at the hotel, proceed towards the Sham Valley, which is replete with unique places. Visit the Hall of Fame dedicated to the Indian soldiers. It showcases weapons and documents recovered from the enemy during various wars. A key attraction is the grand Spituk Monastery, dating to the 11th century, also visit the statues of Lord Buddha, also enjoy the panoramic view of the Indus Valley below. Later visit Gurdwara Pathar Sahib, one of the most sacred places for Sikhs. It houses a huge rock, believed to have been hurled at Guru Nanak by a demon. After that visit the famed Magnetic Hill, it is said that it pulls vehicle upwards when left on neutral." After sightseeing of Sham Valley, drive back to the hotel in Leh for overnight stay.

Stay – Nubra Valley

After breakfast, leave for Nubra Valley via Khardung-La Pass, one of the highest motorable road in the world at 18832 feet above sea level. As we drive through this, you witness stunning vistas encompassing snow-capped peaks and majestic mountains. On the way, you will experience the drive which will take you through the bridge that has been laid on a glacier and also made it to the Guinness Book of World Records.

Nubra Valley is also very much known as Ldumra or the valley of flowers in Leh. It is situated in the north of Ladakh between the Karakoram & Ladakh ranges of the Himalayas. The average altitude of the valley is 10,000 ft. above sea level. As we reach the Nubra Valley, stunning views of the sand dunes with a vast expanse of green in the background treat your eyes. Later check-in at the hotel for night stay.

Stay – Pangong Tso

After breakfast, proceed toward Hunder. Sitting at an average altitude of 10, 000 feet, Hunder is a small village where the Shyok River meets Nubra River. Hunder is most popular for the camel rides in the high altitude cold desert. The camel safaris are done on Bactrian Double-humped Camels which are the reminder of the bygone era of Silk Route trade.

Later visit the oldest, Diskit Monastery, also known as the Diskit monastery, situated on a hilltop that allows you breathtaking panoramas of the entire valley. The enormity of the Buddha statue in the monastery will leave you speechless and it is the reason for attracting thousands of tourists to this place. Adding to its glory, there is a small village market in the town of Diskit, which is a great place for a leisurely stroll to get a peek into the lives of people in Ladakh. Later continue your drive to Pangong Tso, upon arrival, check-in at the camp for night stay.

Pangong Lake, situated at a height of almost 4,350m, is the world’s highest saltwater lake. Its waters, which seem to be dyed in blue, stand in stark contrast to the arid mountains surrounding it. Extending to almost 160km, one-third of the Pangong Lake lies in India and the other two-thirds in China. Upon arrival at Pangong Lake check-in at your camp for night stay. If time permits, you can visit Pangong Lake.

Stay – Leh

After breakfast at the camp, head out to explore the beautiful lake, along with nearby places. Later in the afternoon drive back to Leh. On the way, cross the approximately 17950-feet high Chang La, one of the highest mountain passes in the world. Along the way, pay a visit to the Druk White Lotus School, that shot to fame with the movie ‘3 Idiots’ as the site where the last scene was shot. After that visit Hemis Gompa, situated 45 km from Leh, the monastery was re-established in 1672 by the Ladakhi king Sengge Namgyal. The annual Hemis festival honouring Padmasambhava is held here in early June. Next visit Thiksey Monastery, located on a hill-lock providing awe-inspiring views of the Indus valley. Next visit Shey Palace, used as a summer palace by the former King of Ladakh. Later upon arrival at Leh, check-in to the hotel for night stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to the Airport to board the flight to your home or onward destination.